Christmas trees get a recycled makeover

Published on 08 September 2026

• Fraser Coast creatives invited to take part in new recycled Christmas tree showcase
• Tabletop trees to be created from recycled, repurposed, reclaimed or found materials
• ‘Spruced’ will open alongside the 2026 Waste to Art exhibition at Gatakers Artspace

Fraser Coast artists and creatives are being challenged to rethink the traditional Christmas tree and turn recycled and repurposed materials into festive works of art.

Applications are now open for Spruced – Recycled Tabletop Christmas Tree Showcase, which will be displayed at Gatakers Artspace in Maryborough from 14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.

Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour said the new showcase would bring together creativity, sustainability and a little festive fun.

“We’re inviting people to look at everyday objects and discarded materials differently and imagine what they could become with a bit of creativity,” he said.

“Instead of buying something new, you might be able to turn old, unwanted or found materials into a Christmas tree that is completely unique.

“The possibilities are almost endless, and I’m looking forward to seeing what our local artists and creatives come up with.”

Creations must be primarily made from recycled, repurposed, reclaimed or found materials and fit within maximum dimensions of 60cm by 60cm by 60cm.

Trees can be freestanding or wall-hung, with applications open until Sunday 25 October 2026.

Cr Seymour said Spruced would complement Council’s popular Waste to Art Exhibition, which will also open at Gatakers Artspace on 14 November 2026 and run until 2 January 2027.

“There will be a real celebration of creative reuse at Gatakers over summer, with Waste to Art encouraging people to turn everyday waste into works of art and Spruced bringing that same thinking to the festive season,” he said.

“Both are about seeing potential in things we might otherwise throw away and finding creative ways to give them another life.”

The 2026 Waste to Art competition is open to aspiring and professional artists of all ages and includes a $5,000 prize pool, with entries transformed from waste, reused and repurposed materials.

Spruced will be displayed in the Gatakers Artspace Studio, while the Waste to Art exhibition will be displayed at Gatakers Artspace from 14 November 2026 to 2 January 2027.

Entry to Gatakers Artspace is free.

For more information and to apply for Spruced, visit https://www.ourfrasercoast.com.au/Gatakers-Artspace/Whats-On

For more information about Waste to Art, visit: https://www.frasercoast.qld.gov.au/Waste-to-Art